This Wiki was created using PBWorks. The name was designed that creating a Wiki is as easy as making a peanut butter sandwich!
Strengths and Limitations Supportive Technology
Inquiry based learning requires that learners do more then just ask and answer questions, it requires a more complex process where students become more active in the learning process through exploration of knowledge that leads to learners formulating questions to which they then investigate for the answers (Alberta Education, 2004). It is not reflective but one that engages the learner within the learning environment--the collective body of learners, educators and the learning environment itself contribute to the student learning.
Strengths
Wikis are a collaborate multi-media environment that that facilitates exploration of knowledge through uploaded content and other line resources (Goodwin-Jones, 2003).
Wikis provide a safe on-line environment for collaboration activity between the learners and the educator that fosters inquiry-based learning.
Information can be more relevant and update to date as Wikis can be updated on a continuous bases—the Wiki provides the forum to adjust content as the learning participants dictate. RSS feeds placed on the Wiki can facility this need with the constant updating of current information.
Wikis create an edit trail for the educator to observe learner added content that can act as a control system (Engstrom & Jewett, 2005).
This is an example of one of my grade 12 students who was away on an exchange in Italy--she returned stress free in our course as she was up to date with all work and expectations.
Limitations
Only one person can edit a Wiki at a time. The Wiki is viewed to be “locked” while a person is editing it. The can cause time constraints if a large project is being attempted (Engstrom & Jewett, 2005). Shawn - Maybe not a weakness, but you can always spawn another page. For true collaboration you can use technologies such as Google Docs. We had issues with this "wiki wars" in a large global collaboration project. We created pages within pages so it appears that the page is only one but is actually many--one for each study or topic, etc. Works well. eva
Adequate technology, technical support and internet service is required for the this learning environment to be used.
This situation is creating a "digital disconnect" between students' use of technology in and out of school (Levin, Arafeh, Lenhart & Rainie, 2002; NetDay, 2004).
Professional develop is required for this environment to be adopted and utilized effectively. This is especially required in a team-teaching environment for the educators to be able to effectively collaborate.
It’s important that there are clear boundaries and expectations established for the Wiki’s effective use. It is important that the educator observes any behavioural issues and this can be problematic outside the regular school day. Educators have raised concern that this learning environment will infringe on their personal time (Engstrom & Jewett, 2005, p. 14).
Strengths and Limitations Supportive Technology
Inquiry based learning requires that learners do more then just ask and answer questions, it requires a more complex process where students become more active in the learning process through exploration of knowledge that leads to learners formulating questions to which they then investigate for the answers (Alberta Education, 2004). It is not reflective but one that engages the learner within the learning environment--the collective body of learners, educators and the learning environment itself contribute to the student learning.
Strengths
Wikis are a collaborate multi-media environment that that facilitates exploration of knowledge through uploaded content and other line resources (Goodwin-Jones, 2003).
Wikis provide a safe on-line environment for collaboration activity between the learners and the educator that fosters inquiry-based learning.
Information can be more relevant and update to date as Wikis can be updated on a continuous bases—the Wiki provides the forum to adjust content as the learning participants dictate. RSS feeds placed on the Wiki can facility this need with the constant updating of current information.
Wikis create an edit trail for the educator to observe learner added content that can act as a control system (Engstrom & Jewett, 2005).
Limitations
Only one person can edit a Wiki at a time. The Wiki is viewed to be “locked” while a person is editing it. The can cause time constraints if a large project is being attempted (Engstrom & Jewett, 2005). Shawn - Maybe not a weakness, but you can always spawn another page. For true collaboration you can use technologies such as Google Docs.
We had issues with this "wiki wars" in a large global collaboration project. We created pages within pages so it appears that the page is only one but is actually many--one for each study or topic, etc. Works well. eva
Adequate technology, technical support and internet service is required for the this learning environment to be used.
This situation is creating a "digital disconnect" between students' use of technology in and out of school (Levin, Arafeh, Lenhart & Rainie, 2002; NetDay, 2004).
Professional develop is required for this environment to be adopted and utilized effectively. This is especially required in a team-teaching environment for the educators to be able to effectively collaborate.
It’s important that there are clear boundaries and expectations established for the Wiki’s effective use. It is important that the educator observes any behavioural issues and this can be problematic outside the regular school day. Educators have raised concern that this learning environment will infringe on their personal time (Engstrom & Jewett, 2005, p. 14).
References
Alberta Education. (2004). Inquiry Based Learning. (A. Education, Producer) Retrieved 7 9, 2014 from Alberta Education: https://education.alberta.ca/teachers/aisi/themes/inquiry.aspx
Engstrom, M. E., & Jewett, D. (2005). Collaborative Learning the Wiki Way. Tech Trends , 49 (6), 12-15.
Goodwin-Jones, R. (2003). Bogs and wikis: Environments for on-line collaboration. Language Learning & Technology , 7.
Levine, J. M., Resnick, L. B., & Higgins, E. T. (1993). Social foundations of cognition. Annual Review of
Psychology, 44(1), 585–603